Category: Featured Headlines
USDA Publishes H5N1 Influenza A Virus Genetic Sequences on publicly available site
USDA Today, the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories made available 239 genetic sequences from the U.S. H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b influenza virus recently found in samples associated with the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in poultry and wild birds, and the recent H5N1 event in dairy cattle. APHIS routinely publishes influenza genetic sequence data […]
Apr 21, 2024
Crossing Species: The Rising Threat of H5N1 Bird Flu in the U.S.
NY Academy of Sciences The CDC recently confirmed a human case of HPAI A (H5N1) in Texas. Renowned epidemiologist Syra Madad and distinguished virologist Jason Kindrachuk offer tips to farmers, animal caretakers, and the general public on how to avoid contracting and spreading this strain of avian influenza. Avian influenza H5N1, commonly known as bird […]
Apr 17, 2024
UCalgary vet med researchers closely monitoring reports of avian influenza virus spillover
University of Calgary Number of cases negligible but continued diagnostic testing and collaboration with producers are keys to ensuring community health, experts say. ecent reports coming out of the U.S. of avian influenza virus (H5N1) being found in cattle has been garnering attention. First noted in mid-March as a “mystery illness” when a handful of […]
Apr 16, 2024
What’s Surprising and Scary About Avian Influenza Right Now?
One Health Trust Bird flu – aka avian influenza – is doing what it does best yet again – surprising scientists, public health officials, farmers, and wildlife experts. It’s been spreading among dairy cattle in the United States, something that startles even long-term observers of the virus. The H5N1 strain of avian influenza was first noticed in the late […]
Apr 16, 2024
White House expands its global pandemic prevention efforts
ABC The U.S. will work with other countries to improve infectious disease testing and surveillance before outbreaks can threaten to become pandemics. The White House plans to expand coordination and support to 50 countries in a new worldwide effort to spot and stop pandemic risks. The Biden administration will work with other countries on a […]
Apr 16, 2024
From Poultry to Wildlife, UC Davis Tracks ‘Unprecedented’ Avian Influenza Impacts
UC Davis Avian influenza continues to spread worldwide. UC Davis scientists are helping to monitor its expansion among wildlife, poultry and other species. Wildlife and avian flu In early April, Marcela Uhart, director of the Latin America Program at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, addressed the current state of avian flu at a webinar […]
Apr 16, 2024
What’s Happening with Dairy Cows and Bird Flu?
Bloomberg School of Public Health The H5N1 strain of avian influenza—commonly known as bird flu—has been circulating among wild migratory birds for the past two years, with substantial spillover into poultry farms. But what’s sparking concern among scientists and public health officials alike is the recent discovery of the virus in dairy cows and the […]
Apr 16, 2024
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Three New Michigan Dairy Herds
Michigan Agriculture and Rural Development Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring announced the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy herds in three additional counties—Ionia, Isabella, and Ottawa—bringing the total number of affected counties to four. On March 29, MDARD announced the state’s first HPAI-positive dairy herd located […]
Apr 16, 2024
The H5N1 Outbreak Is Not a Test Run, It’s a Warning Shot
Medpage Today A true public health success would be preventing the virus from further adapting to humans. The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) (H5N1) in dairy herds across the U.S. appears to be expanding, with over two dozen farms being affected in eight states. Although only one mild human case in a […]
Apr 16, 2024
Why the spread of bird flu to a Texas dairy worker is so alarming (Opinion)
Washington Post Since early 2022, a highly pathogenic strain of avian flu, H5N1, has been infecting wild aquatic birds and domestic poultry in the United States. More than 85 million birds in 48 states have died as a result of the virus or have been culled after exposure to infected birds. This same strain has now spread […]
Apr 16, 2024